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Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has given big and serious signals to the whole world regarding FTA in New Zealand. He said on Wednesday that India has been protecting the interests of sensitive sectors like dairy, agriculture and MSME in all free trade agreements (FTAs) and there will be no compromise on this. Goyal also said that significant progress has been made in the talks on the proposed trade agreement between India and New Zealand. At present, senior officials of both the countries are holding the fourth round of talks. He said that India never compromises with the interests of dairy, farmers and MSMEs. We always protect the interests of these sensitive areas.

India did not give relief to New Zealand

New Zealand is the world's leading dairy producing country, and hence India's position is considered important in its demand to increase market access in this sector. Goyal, who arrived in Wellington on a four-day official visit to New Zealand, told reporters that both the countries have agreed to respect each other's sensitivities in the trade agreement. He clarified that till now India has not given duty concession to the partner country in dairy or agriculture sector in any trade agreement. He said that we do not touch such issues. We respect each other's sensitivities.

Where are the opportunities being sought?

On the question asked about the next stages of talks, the Commerce Minister said that it may be that we may not need too many stages. Considerable progress has already been made in this direction. Concrete discussions are going on towards a trade agreement. However, he indicated that India may see opportunities for increased cooperation in agricultural technology, especially in areas such as dairy machinery. Goyal also discussed points related to the trade agreement in his meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay. Luxon said in a social media post that both the countries are entering into a trade agreement that will provide huge opportunities to New Zealand companies in the Indian market.

The agreement will protect the interests

Goyal said in the joint press conference that we will make a good agreement that protects the mutual interests of both the countries. This deal will not be done in a hurry, but after considering all the sensitive issues. He said that there is huge potential for cooperation between India and New Zealand in areas like defence, agriculture, space, education and tourism. Regarding services, Goyal clarified that the FTA will also have a chapter on services which will have arrangements like movement of skilled professionals, internships, training and educational exchanges, but permanent immigration does not come under its purview.

no rush on fta

Along with this, Goyal said that agreements with every country are made considering its economic capacity and size. Negotiations with the European Union or ASEAN countries may not be standard for a country like New Zealand. Along with this, Goyal said that no agreement should be finalized in haste as it may lead to mistakes.

New Zealand's Trade Minister McClay said that trade relations between the two countries are growing significantly and it is now the responsibility of both governments to ensure strong ties between businesses. McClay said, there are challenges in every trade negotiation, but Goyal and I have decided that our officials should find solutions instead of arguing among themselves. So far we have made great progress.